Carnival Elation 5 Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 1 Part 1 June 8, 2015 New Orleans, LA Departure: 4:00PM
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
Day 1 Part 1 June 8, 2015 New Orleans, LA Departure: 4:00PM
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
If You Would Like Alerts When Future Portions of This Review Are Released Please Visit & Like Us On Facebook:
Click Here To View Our Facebook Profile
Click Here To View Our Facebook Profile
|
Or Use This Like Button Provided By Facebook:
|
|
Arriving At The Cruise Terminal and Parking:
After a long tiresome drive to New Orleans, it was a relief seeing the Erato Street Cruise Terminal with the Carnival Elation docked directly behind it. I arrived at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal around 9:50am. The cruise terminal was bustling with cars as disembarking passengers were leaving and embarking passengers were trying to get parked. The port charged $16.00 per day to park in the cruise terminal's parking garage. After paying for parking, the attendant directed us to go up a spiral ramp to a luggage drop off zone. Upon arriving at luggage drop off, a luggage steward examined our boarding passes and took the luggage from the trunk of our vehicle. He then directed us to continue and told us we could park on certain levels of the garage that were designated for Carnival Elation cruisers.
After a long tiresome drive to New Orleans, it was a relief seeing the Erato Street Cruise Terminal with the Carnival Elation docked directly behind it. I arrived at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal around 9:50am. The cruise terminal was bustling with cars as disembarking passengers were leaving and embarking passengers were trying to get parked. The port charged $16.00 per day to park in the cruise terminal's parking garage. After paying for parking, the attendant directed us to go up a spiral ramp to a luggage drop off zone. Upon arriving at luggage drop off, a luggage steward examined our boarding passes and took the luggage from the trunk of our vehicle. He then directed us to continue and told us we could park on certain levels of the garage that were designated for Carnival Elation cruisers.
Crescent City Connection In The Background
|
AFT (Back) Of The Carnival Elation
|
AFT of the Elation - View From Parking Garage Ramp
|
Cookies & Drinks In Captain's Lounge For VIPs
Checking In & The Embarkation Process:
After finding a parking space and exiting our car, we took an elevator to the ground level of the cruise terminal. Before being allowed to proceed further, we had to show our boarding pass and passport to the embarkation staff. This took less than 2 minutes as there was no line at this time in the morning. We then proceeded up an escalator in order to go through a security checkpoint. There were several scanner stations opened and this took less than a minute to get through. Luckily, I did not make the scanner beep because I always seem to forget to take something out of my pockets. All carry on bags and items had to be screened during this process.
Immediately following the security checkpoint, Platinum & Diamond guests were escorted to the Captain's Lounge and General Embarkation guests were sent to the regular check in stations. I was fortunate to travel with a family member that is Platinum. This meant that I was able to enjoy the VIP priority boarding and check in process. Check in was smooth and during this time we learned the Elation's captain extended our docking times in Cozumel and Progreso. By 10:00am I was checked in and sitting in the waiting area for boarding! All of the cruise terminal staff throughout the process were extremely friendly and helpful. Boarding the Carnival Elation started shortly after 11:00am. Platinum and Diamond guests were allowed to board the ship first!
After finding a parking space and exiting our car, we took an elevator to the ground level of the cruise terminal. Before being allowed to proceed further, we had to show our boarding pass and passport to the embarkation staff. This took less than 2 minutes as there was no line at this time in the morning. We then proceeded up an escalator in order to go through a security checkpoint. There were several scanner stations opened and this took less than a minute to get through. Luckily, I did not make the scanner beep because I always seem to forget to take something out of my pockets. All carry on bags and items had to be screened during this process.
Immediately following the security checkpoint, Platinum & Diamond guests were escorted to the Captain's Lounge and General Embarkation guests were sent to the regular check in stations. I was fortunate to travel with a family member that is Platinum. This meant that I was able to enjoy the VIP priority boarding and check in process. Check in was smooth and during this time we learned the Elation's captain extended our docking times in Cozumel and Progreso. By 10:00am I was checked in and sitting in the waiting area for boarding! All of the cruise terminal staff throughout the process were extremely friendly and helpful. Boarding the Carnival Elation started shortly after 11:00am. Platinum and Diamond guests were allowed to board the ship first!
View Of the Ship From The Cruise Terminal's Waiting Area
|
Walking Up The Long Gangway (Pre-Cruise Exercise)
|
View Of the Back Of the Ship - Taken From Gangway
|
Front of the Ship & Cruise Terminal Pier Below
Finally Onboard The Carnival Elation!
The gangway took guests to the bottom level of the Carnival Elation's atrium (Empress Deck - Deck 7). I was the first regular cruise passenger to board for this cruise! Sail & Sign cards were scanned in the cruise terminal, but upon arriving onboard the ship's security guards examined the Sail & Sign cards again.
My first destination on the Carnival Elation was the ship's buffet named Tiffany's Bar & Grill. The buffet is located on the Lido Deck (9). The elevator ride was quick and since I was first there was no line to get on the elevator.
Here are some pictures I took walking across the Carnival Elation's Lido Deck outside pool and deck areas on my way to the buffet:
The gangway took guests to the bottom level of the Carnival Elation's atrium (Empress Deck - Deck 7). I was the first regular cruise passenger to board for this cruise! Sail & Sign cards were scanned in the cruise terminal, but upon arriving onboard the ship's security guards examined the Sail & Sign cards again.
My first destination on the Carnival Elation was the ship's buffet named Tiffany's Bar & Grill. The buffet is located on the Lido Deck (9). The elevator ride was quick and since I was first there was no line to get on the elevator.
Here are some pictures I took walking across the Carnival Elation's Lido Deck outside pool and deck areas on my way to the buffet:
Lido Deck Main Pool Area
|
Side View Of Lido Deck Pool and Deck Chairs
|
Lido Deck Outside Tables For Eating
|
View of Outside Stage on the Lido Deck
|
Walkway To Tiffany's Bar & Grill
|
Looking Towards The Back of the Elation's Buffet
|
Lunch #1 at Tiffany's Bar & Grill (Lido Buffet):
The Carnival Elation's buffet has a variety of different lines cruisers can choose from. Today's lunch options included Italian food from the Chef's Choice buffet line as well as various options from the Elation's Grill, Mongolian Wok, Rotisserie, Deli, Pizzeria, and dessert station. When I entered Tiffany's Bar and Grill I quickly walked around to look at all of the food options and decided I wanted to eat from the deli first. I ordered a Pastrami on Rye sandwich, my favorite. The sandwich was delicious and the service at the deli was exceptional. The crew working the deli remembered my preference to eat a Pastrami on Rye sandwich when I came back the next day.
I also had a slice of pan pizza from the 24 Hour Pizzeria. The slice of pizza was tasty, but the service from the Pizzeria was not very good. After eating my sandwich and pizza, I enjoyed some desert from the desert station. The cupcake I took was okay, but the cookies I ate were delicious!
The Carnival Elation's buffet has a variety of different lines cruisers can choose from. Today's lunch options included Italian food from the Chef's Choice buffet line as well as various options from the Elation's Grill, Mongolian Wok, Rotisserie, Deli, Pizzeria, and dessert station. When I entered Tiffany's Bar and Grill I quickly walked around to look at all of the food options and decided I wanted to eat from the deli first. I ordered a Pastrami on Rye sandwich, my favorite. The sandwich was delicious and the service at the deli was exceptional. The crew working the deli remembered my preference to eat a Pastrami on Rye sandwich when I came back the next day.
I also had a slice of pan pizza from the 24 Hour Pizzeria. The slice of pizza was tasty, but the service from the Pizzeria was not very good. After eating my sandwich and pizza, I enjoyed some desert from the desert station. The cupcake I took was okay, but the cookies I ate were delicious!
Pastrami on Rye & Ruben On The Same Plate
|
Food From The Italian Food Buffet Line
|
Assorted Variety of Buffet Food
|
Turkey Wrap From the Deli
|
Food From the Mongolian Wok
|
Assorted Variety of Buffet Food
|
Pan Pizza From the Pizzeria
|
Cookies & Cupcake
|
Afternoon Walk Touring The Outside Decks:
After eating lunch and getting stuffed, it was time to walk around the outside decks of the Carnival Elation. There was a chance of rain in the weather forecast and I was worried it would start raining during lunch, but it didn't. I wanted to walk around the outside decks first to avoid missing out on the view in the event of rain. I started my walk at the back of the ship and worked my way towards the front.
After eating lunch and getting stuffed, it was time to walk around the outside decks of the Carnival Elation. There was a chance of rain in the weather forecast and I was worried it would start raining during lunch, but it didn't. I wanted to walk around the outside decks first to avoid missing out on the view in the event of rain. I started my walk at the back of the ship and worked my way towards the front.
Looking Down on the Serenity Adults Only Retreat
|
Looking Upriver Towards Port Administration Building
|
AFT Pool on Verandah Deck
|
AFT Pool and Hottub
|
Bridge
|
Basketball Court Located Next To AFT Pool
|
The Carnival Elation has the backup emergency generator systems that Carnival began installing on their ships after the 2013 Carnival Triumph engine room fire. Part of this backup system is located in a big crate next to the ship's funnel. Thankfully, we never had to use this system during my cruise.
Backup Systems By Funnel
|
Area Behind the Funnel
|
Looking Up At the Funnel
|
Throughout the afternoon I tried to take a glimpse at the hustle and bustle going on down at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal's pier. The pier is a busy place when the ship is docked in New Orleans because during the morning the ship must be refueled, disembarking guests must have their luggage taken off, and supplies will be delivered to the ship. During the late morning and afternoon, embarking guests will have their luggage transported on and additional supplies will continue to be loaded. I am always amazed at how efficient the workers on the pier are.
Looking Towards The Front
|
Looking Down At the Erato Street Cruise Terminal
|
Pier Bustling With Activity
|
New Orleans Skyline
|
Jogging Track Area - Looking Towards Back
|
Top Level of the Cruise Terminal's Parking Garage
|
The Carnival Elation's Sun Deck contains the jogging track and mini golf course. Since the last time I cruised on the Elation, this area of the ship has been refreshed. The mini golf course area was very popular during the cruise, but when the ship was moving very windy. During open hours, cruisers were able to help themselves to mini golf clubs and balls without having to check the items out from a crew member.
Jogging Track & Mini Golf Course in Background
|
Mini Golf Course & Jogging Track
|
Mini Golf Course & Painted Mural
|
Ship Sailing Upriver on the Mississippi
|
Looking From Sun Deck Down On Lido Pool Area
|
Ship's Funnel With Bridge in the Background
|
When cruising from New Orleans, I always like to take a look at the city and both sides of the Mississippi River. At times, many other different types of ships will sail by when cruise ships are docked. The following pictures were taken from the front of the ship looking downriver:
Side of Mississippi River Opposite of New Orleans
|
Zoomed In View of Opposite Side of the River
|
Sun Deck - Area To View Front of the Ship
|
View of The Front From The Sun Deck
|
Julia Street Cruise Terminal & New Orleans Skyline
|
Garbage Dumpsters on Erato Cruise Terminal's Pier
|
Lido Deck Lifeboat Embarkation Stations
|
Front of Lido Deck - Stairs to Verandah Deck
|
Side View of The Carnival Elation With Service Barge Below
|
Gangway Connected To the Ship
|
Zoomed in View of Gangway
|
Drama Bar in Elation's Way Promenade
|
Touring The Inside Of The Carnival Elation:
I started my tour of the inside of the ship on the Promenade Deck. The Elation's promenade walkway is known as Elation's Way. The Elation's Way is home to main venues such as Casablanca Casino, Drama Bar, Romeo & Juliet lounge, Jekyll & Hyde Disco, Gatsby's Great Bar, and the Cole Porter aft lounge. The Drama Bar is a central place on the Carnival Elation where many activities and games take place. Here are some photos I took during my walk around the Promenade:
I started my tour of the inside of the ship on the Promenade Deck. The Elation's promenade walkway is known as Elation's Way. The Elation's Way is home to main venues such as Casablanca Casino, Drama Bar, Romeo & Juliet lounge, Jekyll & Hyde Disco, Gatsby's Great Bar, and the Cole Porter aft lounge. The Drama Bar is a central place on the Carnival Elation where many activities and games take place. Here are some photos I took during my walk around the Promenade:
Elation's Way Promenade - Looking Towards the Back
|
Many Tables & Chairs in Elation's Way Promenade
|
Jekyll & Hyde Nightclub (Disco)
|
The following three photos and the above photo on the right were taken in the Jekyll & Hyde Nightclub. I did not partake in any events in the nightclub, but I did enter it to take some pictures. The lounge had a slight smell of smoke and rotten puke.
Sitting Area in the Nightclub
|
Dance Floor in Jekyll & Hyde
|
Jekyll & Hyde
|
The next three pictures are of Gatsby's Great Bar. Gatsby's Great Bar is the Carnival Elation's sports bar. There are multiple television screens located throughout this area of the ship that show a variety of different sports events and TV stations. Gatsby's Great Bar is located near the aft of the Elation's Way promenade walkway directly in front of the Cole Porter aft lounge.
Bar at Gatsby's Great Bar
|
Bar Area
|
Sitting Area At Gatsby's Great Bar
|
The next pictures are of the Cole Porter lounge. The Cole Porter lounge is located at the back of the Promenade Deck. Inside the Cole Porter lounge you can find an entrance to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat for cruisers 21 years or older. The Cole Porter is smaller than the Mikado, but it still hosts a variety of events such as parties, dances, and karaoke.
View From The Back of Cole Porter AFT Lounge
|
Stage Area in the Cole Porter
|
Side View of Cole Porter Lounge
|
My Oceanview Stateroom
Stateroom:
My stateroom was an Ocean View room located mid-ship on the Main Deck. The location was near the middle elevator/stairwell zone. The stateroom contained two twin beds, an old tube TV, small vanity area, two closed closet spaces, one open closet space, and a pull down bed. The room was a good size and had plenty of floor space. The room was always kept clean by our stateroom steward, but it had a slight smell of old mold.
The stateroom's bathroom smelled better than the room itself. The bathroom consisted of a shower, sink, toilet, and the mirror was a small cabinet that could be opened for shelf space.
Our stateroom steward did not introduce himself on the first day, but he did come by on the 2nd day of the cruise. He did his job well, kept the room clean, and was friendly when we passed him in the hallway.
Here are a few pictures taken inside the stateroom:
My stateroom was an Ocean View room located mid-ship on the Main Deck. The location was near the middle elevator/stairwell zone. The stateroom contained two twin beds, an old tube TV, small vanity area, two closed closet spaces, one open closet space, and a pull down bed. The room was a good size and had plenty of floor space. The room was always kept clean by our stateroom steward, but it had a slight smell of old mold.
The stateroom's bathroom smelled better than the room itself. The bathroom consisted of a shower, sink, toilet, and the mirror was a small cabinet that could be opened for shelf space.
Our stateroom steward did not introduce himself on the first day, but he did come by on the 2nd day of the cruise. He did his job well, kept the room clean, and was friendly when we passed him in the hallway.
Here are a few pictures taken inside the stateroom:
Welcome Back Water Bottles On Counter in Stateroom
|
Stateroom Minibar and Telephone on Wall
|
Stateroom Bed Under Window
|
The first two pictures are of the stateroom's bathroom. The third picture was taken in the mid-ship elevator zone. Some elevators were taken out of service during the first day of the cruise to help transport luggage to the ship's staterooms.
Toilet and Sink In Stateroom's Bathroom
|
Shower in Stateroom
|
Mid Ship Elevator Buttons - One Is Closed For Luggage
|
After taking a look at my stateroom and unpacking, I went back up to the Promenade Deck to sit and watch people go by. There was not much action as many people were still boarding or eating lunch at Tiffany's Bar and Grill.
Casablanca Casino In Elation's Way Promenade
|
Elation's Way Promenade
|
Photo Gallery on the Promenade Deck
|
The following pictures are of the Mikado Lounge's second level on the Promenade Deck. Throughout the cruise the Mikado Lounge was closed due to stage work. My cruise was impacted slightly by the Playlist Productions installation. Carnival started the process of changing the shows on the Elation during my cruise. The Carnival Elation is transitioning from regular stage shows to Carnival's new Playlist Productions show format. Usually someone forgot to close a Promenade Deck door into the Mikado during the install work and I was able to walk in and see the progress. There will be better pictures of the install throughout my review, including a photo of a dismantled set!
Mikado Lounge - View Of Stage From The Upper Level
|
Upper Level of The Mikado Lounge
|
Mikado Lounge
|
|
Please Like RyG's Cruise Guide On Facebook!
Click Here For Our Facebook Page I will be sharing review updates, cruise tips, and more! You can also like us using this button provided by Facebook: |
Continue To Day 1 Part 2:
|